According to Water.org, approximately 3.5 million individuals die each year from water-related diseases. Intestinal parasites are a major cause of water-related illness and refer to any organism that benefits by living in the intestines of humans and animals while negatively impacting its host. In comparison, external parasites, such as lice and fleas, live outside the host. In humans, two major types of intestinal parasites exist: protozoa and helminths.
Types
Helminths and protozoa are two types of parasites that can inhabit the small or large intestines. Helminths are intestinal worms that include tapeworms, pinworms and roundworms. Protozoa are one-celled organisms that are much smaller than helminths and include Giardia and Cryptosporidium, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center. Protozoa are capable of multiplying in the body and causing serious infection, whereas helminths are unable to multiply but can grow to be quite large. Helminths feed on bowel contents of the intestinal wall or blood, and protozoa feed on the nutrients in human stools.
Transmission
Intestinal parasites are spread through infected feces, most often found in contaminated water or food that is ingested, explains HealthHype.com. Infection can occur anywhere, but certain places or conditions increase the risk of infection. Risk factors include international travel, especially when traveling to poor and undeveloped countries with poor sanitation and hygiene. Also, children are more prone to infection along with individuals with HIV/AIDS or a weakened immune system, according to UMMC.
Signs and Symptoms
Intestinal parasites may reside in the body for a considerable amount of time and produce no symptoms. However, when symptoms are present, diarrhea is the most common, lasting several days to perhaps months, according to UMMC. Other signs and symptoms include mucus in the stool, bloating and gas, unintended weight loss and fatigue.
Diagnosis
Several tests can be used to identify the presence of intestinal parasites in individuals. A fecal test identifies both helminths and protozoa. A small stool sample is needed, often at several different times over the course of a few days. The "Scotch tape" test can be used to detect pinworms, a specific type of helminth. In this method, tape is touched to the anal region and then examined under a microscope for the presence of worms. Sometimes, in more serious cases, barium X-rays are used, which can help diagnose gastrointestinal abnormalities, including the presence of intestinal parasites.
Treatment
With intestinal parasites, the primary course of treatment is anti-parasitic medications, for which several options exist. They offer few side effects and are administered in a single dose or over several weeks if needed, according to UMMC. Steps can be taken to prevent intestinal parasite infection, such as frequent hand washing, proper food preparation, and using bottled or boiled water in areas prone to contamination.
